Howard Stern goes VOD-only

Published on August 08, 2005.

Howard Stern is eschewing TV advertising with last week's announcement that video-on-demand distributor iN Demand Networks acquired exclusive TV rights to "The Howard Stern Show." The deal means new broadcasts of his show will only be available through a dedicated subscription-based VOD channel on iN Demand's cable distribution partners, Time Warner, Comcast and Cox. The VOD version will be available a day-and-a-half after the radio program airs and the channel will offer archives as well. Until last month, Mr. Stern's TV show was part of the late-night lineup on Comcast's E! Entertainment.

While Mr. Stern no longer relies on TV advertising, he'll soon become a major selling proposition for Sirius Satellite Radio, which will host the shock jock once his contract with Viacom's Infinity is up at the end of the year. Sirius reaped $1 million in ad revenue during the quarter. AdAge.com QwikFIND aaq80q and aaq80i

NY Times Co. inks deal with XM Satellite

The New York Times Co. has signed an agreement with XM Satellite Radio that will give the publishing giant's new radio division a presence on XM talk and classical music channels. The move augurs further efforts by print publishers, who are desperately chasing growth, to distribute content - and market their brands - outside of print. XM will air a series of Times-branded features on several of its talk radio channels. The companies also plan to develop hourly Times-branded newscasts. On the music side, XM will run the WQXR series "Reflections from the Keyboard" on one of its classical stations. The companies will collaborate on quarterly classical music specials. It is not clear whether the pact will deliver new revenue or just additional brand exposure for The Times. AdAge.com QwikFIND aaq80n

GM resumes corporate advertising in `L.A. Times'

General Motors Corp. resumed corporate advertising in The Los Angeles Times after a four-month boycott sparked by a series of articles that were unflattering to the carmaker. The struggling GM said in April that it was pulling out of The Times, the country's fourth-largest newspaper, citing growing complaints about GM-related coverage from its own executives and California dealers. "While we have respectfully agreed to disagree on some of the issues," said Brian Akre, a GM spokesman, "we sincerely believe The Times has a better understanding of our concerns and we appreciate its ongoing willingness to listen." AdAge.com QwikFIND aaq80f

GM, Ford extend `employee discounts'

General Motors Corp. last week reversed a decision to end employee-discount pricing Aug. 1 by extending the program through Labor Day. Earlier that day Ford Motor Co. had announced it would continue its copy-cat "Ford Family Plan" through Labor Day and add some 2006 models. Late Aug. 2, Chrysler Group followed suit, although a spokesman said the employee-pricing discounts on most 2005 models would end when inventory was cleared. AdAge.com QwikFIND aaq80h, aaq80b

Icon march kicks off Advertising Week

Advertising Week 2005, the five-day extravaganza that celebrates the industry in September, kicked off its public campaign in Times Square last week. Icons ranging from Cap'n Crunch to the California Raisins helped emphasize the fact that the event launched the voting for the best advertising slogan and icon. The public may cast their ballots in a Times Square voting booth or online at advertisingweek.yahoo.com. This year's winners will be announced at a ceremony on Madison Avenue Sept. 26, the first day of the event, which is sponsored by the American Association of Advertising Agencies and will be held Sept. 26-30 in New York. AdAge.com QwikFIND aaq80g

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Bruce Dennler to president and chief operating officer, Palisades Media Group, from exec VP-director of planning, Carat USA and interim president Carat USA.